January in Paris is all about fashion, what with the sales still raging and Fashion Week now on the go. Rosie Khdir has also found an exhibition at Les Arts Décoratifs In Paris where one of city’s first couturiers is being celebrated.

This week is not only the last in January, it is also your last chance to view the latest exhibition at Les Art Décoratifs, one dedicated to French fashion sensation Madeleine Vionnet.

After founding her own fashion house called Vionnet in 1912, Madeleine went on to dominate the arena of couture thanks to her technique of cutting cloth. She used a bias cut to create a flattering a body-skimming style which would go on to revolutionise women’s clothing.

Contrary to the corseting and restricting fashions of her elders, Vionnet created dresses that followed the natural form of the female figure. Her designs were inspired by her love for Ancient Greek art which followed a more simply and free-flowing style.

Vionnet’s dresses were all about the emancipation of the female body while still maintaining a decorative edge. Visitors will be able to see for themselves the beauty of her creations in this exhibition, the first of its kind devoted to Madeleine Vionnet.

Around 200 dresses, 750 dress patterns and 75 photo albums were donated to the Musée des Art Décoratifs in 1952 by Vionnet herself. A selection of these pieces created between 1912 and 1939 are on display to the public, in the show that focuses on her legacy and the ideas she left behind.

Madeleine is thought of as one of the most talented couturiers of the 20th century and has inspired the likes of Azzedine Alaia and John Galliano.

The exhibition ends on the 31st January 2010; visit the Les Arts Décoratifs website for more details.

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Image credit: A Journey Round My Skull

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